A lot more living and a lil less of SLCH

We have been SLCH free for 2 weeks!

KNOCK ON WOOD!
In the meantime, we have been very busy bees.
We made our FIRST REAL ROAD TRIP, out of town, before Thanksgiving.
Ruthie wanted to go check out her Aunt Coley and Uncle Tom's house.
Oh yeah, Cousin TJ and Cheerio (the doggie) too!

Ruthie had a wonderful time watching football with the boys!
It was only a weekend trip, but it was awesome.
It was really nice to get out of town with the family!


Ruthie also had her first real photo shoot with her cousins on Black Friday!
(Mommy's crabbiest day of the year!LOL! Any Black Friday shoppers out there?)

She did really well despite the semi-snotty nose and all the commotion.
She slept GREAT that night!
(And so did Mommy!)

We have a clinic visit scheduled for tomorrow at SLCH. I am anxious. It has been a month since our last visit and two months since our last biopsy. I always get a little worried the day before Clinic. I guess that's just the heart momma in me. Or just the momma.

Well, off we are to make some cookies. We have many people to thank during the holiday season!

Until next time...

ER

Yesterday, we made a surprise visit to Children's through the ER. Apparently, Ruthie got wind of us "having a week off" from SLCH and sprung into action.

A little before 11 am, Ruthie and her highchair put me into action.
After cleaning up the kitchen from our banana/ cracker tasting, we decided to move into the living room for my lunch and Ruth's play time. I did the usual thing, unhooked her from her seat, asked her to come to Mommy and then WHAM! Ruthie's hand was on her button and her cord on the highchair and within seconds formula everywhere.
I grabbed a upset Ruthie and took off to the bedroom to insert a foley cath. I made it into the living room and then remembered my phone. I turned back, snatched it off the counter, and continued on. On my first try, I inserted a foley cath into her stoma. 14 FR, perfect size, perfect fit!
At this point, I was already on hold for SLCH pediatric surgeon office and Ruthie was trying to roll over and play. I went over the "happenings" with the nurse and she told me to come on in the the ER.
After an outfit change, we were on our way to SLCH ER. Ruthie played the entire car ride. She was just a little ham. She was happy and showing off for people she knew (which of course, we knew 2 of the ER nurses, a RT and the on-call resident). Dr. V was actually there the day of Ruth's transplant. I love having friends!
But yes, it was quite humorous once I knew that the foley was in right and that surgery would not be needed. We had a nice 6 hour family outing to Children's. I think Ruthie knew we needed a break from our "normal lives". Silly, silly girl.

So, she is doing fine! We are back to our "normal lives" again.

And she is SITTING!
She hasn't pulled herself up to sit yet, but she will maintain balance to sit and play.






Once again, thank you for the comments, prayers, and support. We appreciate you all.

Lately

Seconds turn into minutes, minutes into hours, hours into days, days into weeks. I am just excited that weeks have not turned into months since my last update!
BUT. since the last post we have had some events!

Ruth had a button (g tube) placed and her NG tube removed.

Pre-surgery!

Post- Surgery

Cuddling with Daddy the day after surgery!


Ruthie also celebrated her second Halloween.

Ruthie dressed up like a Rooster (Ruester).



Since Ruthie was a Rooster, Josh and I dressed as farmers.



We had such a fun time that Ruthie passed out with her Rooster hair.
The morning after Halloween, she was still rockin' the "Rooster".



So lately, we are working on feeds.
We are increasing her volume each feed in order to eliminate the overnight feedings.
We are also starting in- home therapies this week.
We have PT and OT coming for an hour once a week.
We will be working on sitting independently, eating by mouth and crawling.
We need Ruth to gain some core strength so that crawling, walking and sitting are easier tasks.

I am so excited to start working with therapies again. We have not had formal therapies since our Children's stay. It will be good for both Ruthie and I to learn all there is to learn about her development. Oh let the fun begin!

Thanks for the support and prayers.